9 Most Loved Countries to Live In (And Why You May Want to Avoid Them)

Switzerland – The Perfect Paradise with a Price Tag

Picture yourself waking up to snow-capped Alpine views every morning, breathing the cleanest air on Earth, and living in a country where everything runs with clockwork precision. Switzerland is consistently ranked as the world’s best country for quality of life, but here’s the reality check: Switzerland registers the highest food prices in the European Union. A simple coffee can cost you $5, and a basic lunch might set you back $30. At the same time, the country also has several cities on the list of most expensive places to live. There is a lot of “neighborhood micromanagement”, especially from the baby boomer generation and prior, meaning your neighbors might report you for running your washing machine on Sunday. The stunning beauty comes with rules that would make a military sergeant proud.

Norway – Oil Rich Beauty with Dark Secrets

Norway consistently ranks among the world’s best for quality of life, earning the fourth spot in 2024, combining economic strength, backed by vast oil reserves second only to Russia in Europe. The fjords are breathtaking, the social benefits are incredible, and the education system offers free university even for international students. But here’s what they don’t tell you: In Sweden, an estimated 8 percent of the population suffer from SAD, with another 11 percent said to suffer the winter blues, and Norway shares similar dark winter conditions. It was a seemingly endless repetition of arriving to work before sunrise and leaving the office after the sun had set. The dreary, long hours of night – Sometimes stretching 17 hours – filled me with a lackadaisical sense of demotivation. The average cost of living in Norway ($1954) is 31% less expensive than in Switzerland ($2846), but it’s still among the world’s most expensive countries.

Denmark – Hygge Happiness with Heavy Taxes

Denmark embodies the concept of “hygge” – that cozy, content feeling that makes life worth living. Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland are seen as having the best quality of life based on their education and health systems, job markets, income equality, family friendliness and more. The work-life balance is enviable, healthcare is top-notch, and Danish design is world-renowned. However, One primary concern associated with living in Denmark pertains to the elevated cost of living. The nation upholds a high tax rate, and everyday expenditures, such as housing, groceries, and transportation, can prove rather dear. If you retain your US citizenship, you’ll actually need to pay taxes to both governments which can make living in Denmark very expensive for Americans. Plus, In Denmark, The Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy found that “there were only 44 hours of sunlight in November, that’s less than an hour and a half per day”.

Canada – Endless Space with Brutal Winters

The World Population Review placed Canada’s healthcare system as 4th in the world in 2024 based on factors from access to healthcare to overall healthcare outcomes. The country offers stunning natural beauty, friendly people, and multicultural cities that feel like the world in miniature. Canada is one of the best countries worldwide to receive a state education, coming within the top 10 for reading, maths and science. Plus, children growing up in Quebec and Ontario can expect to receive an education in French as well as English. But the winters can be absolutely punishing, lasting up to six months in some regions. Housing costs in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have skyrocketed, making homeownership nearly impossible for average earners. The vast distances between cities mean you might drive for hours without seeing another soul.

Australia – Paradise Down Under with Deadly Everything

Ranked in the top ten for multiple studies, including human development, education, and the best countries for women, there are countless reasons why Australia is considered the number one English-speaking country in the world for expats. Quality of Life: Although slightly further afield, the most populous nation in Oceania has a number of excellent quality-of-life factors that make it the perfect home away from home. The beaches are pristine, the weather is mostly gorgeous, and the laid-back lifestyle is infectious. Overall, Australia is a global powerhouse for trade and commerce, a modern country with a strong and ambitious economy and – best of all – home to some of the world’s best food and wine. But here’s the catch: everything seems designed to kill you. From venomous spiders and snakes to sharks and crocodiles, Australia’s wildlife is not playing around. Australia is known for its pleasant and laid back lifestyle – but it’s not cheap. Canberra and Sydney are the costliest cities. Plus, you’re literally on the other side of the world from most places, making visits home expensive and exhausting.

Finland – The Happiest Country with the Longest Nights

For seven years running, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report, which ranks countries based on gross domestic product (GDP), social support, healthcare and freedom among other factors. The education system is world-class, corruption is virtually non-existent, and the social safety net is robust. The Finnish concept of “sisu” – stoic determination – helps people persevere through anything. But those happiness rankings don’t account for the fact that in northern Finland, the sun doesn’t rise for nearly two months during winter. I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, more commonly – and aptly – known as SAD. In the Nordics a recent study estimated that around 6.5 per cent of the inhabitants have been diagnosed with the more severe version of SAD. Imagine living in perpetual twilight where vitamin D deficiency becomes a national health concern.

Netherlands – Tulips and Tolerance with Rising Seas

The home of tulips and Vincent van Gogh, the Netherlands continues to be a favourite among expats looking for a slower pace of life with all the benefits of a thriving economy and international employment opportunities. The Dutch healthcare system is a model of efficiency and quality, consistently ranking among the top in Europe. In the 2024 Euro Health Consumer Index, the Netherlands ranked 2nd overall. The country is incredibly bike-friendly, English is widely spoken, and the liberal attitudes toward most things make it feel refreshingly open. With five universities in the Time Higher Education top 100, the Netherlands is a magnet for international students, attracting over 128,000 annually. Students in The Netherlands can expect a diverse array of English-taught programs and reasonable tuition fees. However, about one-third of the country sits below sea level, and climate change threatens its very existence. The weather is notoriously dreary – expect grey skies and drizzle for months on end. Housing is incredibly scarce, especially in Amsterdam, where waiting lists for apartments can stretch for years.

Germany – Economic Powerhouse with Bureaucratic Nightmares

Germany is home to some of the world’s top universities. In 2024, eight German universities were named in the Times Higher Education rankings, including Technical University of Munich (26), LMU Munich (38) and Heidelberg University (47). Germany is known for its emphasis on research, engineering, and STEM subjects. The economy is strong, job opportunities abound, and the beer culture is legendary. Germany, by contrast, attracts a broader range of expats, including retirees, owing to its robust infrastructure, innovative economy, and highly skilled workforce. But German bureaucracy is the stuff of legends – and not in a good way. Getting anything official done requires forms in triplicate, appointments weeks in advance, and patience that would test a saint. The language barrier is real, and many Germans still prefer dealing with paperwork in German only. Winters can be long and grey, contributing to seasonal depression issues similar to other Northern European countries.

Ireland – Emerald Isle with Emerald-Priced Everything

The Emerald Isle, known for its rolling hills, wild Atlantic coast and vibrant culture (which is particularly great for those who love beer) emerges this year as one of our top destinations for expats, thanks to its strong mix of work and social opportunities. The stereotypes are true – the Irish really are happy folk. In the 2023 World Happiness Report, Ireland placed 16th globally. The pub culture is warm and welcoming, and English is the primary language, making integration easier for native speakers. However, the housing crisis is severe – rental prices have skyrocketed, and buying a home is increasingly out of reach for young people. The weather is notoriously unpredictable; you can experience all four seasons in a single day. While the culture is friendly, it can be surprisingly difficult to break into established social circles, leaving many expats feeling isolated despite the surface-level friendliness.

The truth about these “perfect” countries is that paradise always comes with a price. Whether it’s crushing living costs, soul-crushing darkness, or bureaucratic mazes that would make Kafka weep, every utopia has its shadows. Before you pack your bags and chase that Instagram-perfect life abroad, remember that happiness isn’t about location – it’s about finding the right balance between dreams and reality. What would you be willing to sacrifice for your perfect life?